Elmer LaVerne Johnson, 81, of Blooming Prairie, passed away Monday, June 7, 2010, at Cedarview Care Center in Owatonna. 
He was born Sept. 18, 1928, to Arthur and Esther (Peterson) Johnson in Steele County, Minn. where he lived his entire life. He married Marjorie Schroeder on June 7, 1953, in Owatonna. He hauled eggs for Desoto in Albert Lea, raised crops, livestock and milked cows. He played football for Blooming Prairie High School, collected John Deere toy tractors, liked Vikings and Twins games, fishing, traveling, having coffee with the guys and time with family and grandchildren. 
Survivors include five children, Debi (Merrill) Bernau of Emmons, Nancy (Mike) Bosshart of Hope, Gary (Joylene) Johnson of Claremont, Peggy (David) Johnson of Blooming Prairie, Shelly Ditlevson (Brian Hubbard, fiancé) of Stewartville; 10 grandchildren, Tracy (Jeff) Honsey, Andrew (Jan) Bernau, Sarah Bosshart (Brad), Brad Johnson, Melanie Johnson, Kristine Johnson, Katie (James) Bissell, Lance Johnson (and Chelsea), Chad Ditlevson (and Tram),  Cory Ditlevson; seven great-grandchildren, Michelle Honsey, Amanda Honsey, Noah Honsey, Alicia Bernau, Brendan McMann, Hunter Johnson, Shelby Bissell; brothers, Burnell (Gail) Johnson of Blooming Prairie, Maynard (Judy) Johnson of Blooming Prairie; two sisters, Arlene (Lawrence) Balzer of Owatonna, Donna (Irwin) Arndt of Owatonna; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Margie.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 11, 2010, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Charles Leonard officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Danish Baptist Cemetery, rural Blooming Prairie. 
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.
Arrangements are by the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home.